Spotlight & Vignette Effects
Direct Viewer Attention with Spotlight and Vignette
Spotlight and vignette are two complementary effects that control where the viewer's eye is drawn. Spotlight creates a focused bright area on a specific part of the frame. Vignette darkens the edges of the entire frame for a cinematic or vintage feel. Both sit in the filter stack, so you can layer them with color filters and other effects.
Spotlight Effect
Spotlight simulates a directional light aimed at one area of the frame. Everything outside the lit area is gradually dimmed, making the highlighted region stand out.
Position
Drag the spotlight directly on the preview to place it exactly where you want the viewer to look. The light follows your finger and updates in real time.
Size
Adjust the size slider to control how large the lit area is. A small spotlight creates a tight, dramatic focus. A larger spotlight covers more of the frame with a softer falloff.
Intensity
The intensity slider controls how much the surrounding area is dimmed. At lower values the effect is subtle — a gentle directional emphasis. At higher values the background goes nearly dark, putting the spotlight area in sharp contrast.
Vignette Effect
Vignette darkens the corners and edges of the frame, drawing the viewer's attention toward the center. It is one of the simplest ways to add visual depth and a polished look to any clip.
Intensity
Controls how dark the edges become. A low value produces a barely-there tint around the corners. A high value creates a strong, visible darkening that frames the center of the image.
Spread
Controls how far inward the darkened area reaches. A narrow spread keeps the effect confined to the very edges. A wider spread pushes the shadow closer to the center, creating a tighter frame around your subject.
Combining with Other Filters
Both spotlight and vignette live in the filter stack alongside color grading presets and other visual effects. You can apply a color filter first, then add a vignette on top, or combine a spotlight with a warm tone for a cozy look. The order in the stack determines how effects interact — experiment by rearranging them to find the combination that fits your video.
When to Use Each Effect
| Scenario | Recommended Effect | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Highlighting a product or detail | Spotlight | Directs attention to a specific area of the frame |
| Talking-head video | Vignette | Keeps focus on the speaker, softens distracting backgrounds |
| Cinematic or moody tone | Vignette | Adds a film-like quality with minimal effort |
| Tutorial or demo step | Spotlight | Points the viewer exactly where the action is happening |
| General polish | Vignette (subtle) | A light vignette improves almost any clip without changing its character |
Related Guides
- Video Filters and Color Presets -- apply color grading alongside spotlight and vignette
- Overlay Effects -- other visual overlays you can layer on your clips
- Export Settings -- effects are baked into the final render at export